It first lodged an application to build 78 lots on the site with the City of Greater Bendigo in 2008.

In early 2010 an amended application was approved by council – a decision which was challenged by concerned locals at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

In 2011 VCAT overturned council’s decision stating that future proposals would need to adopt a more “organic response to the highly significant native vegetation” on the Golden Square land.

Three years later the Diocese came back to council with a new $6 million plan which included the 7.15 hectare nature reserve. That was approved by council, only to be challenged once again at VCAT.

ON SITE: Greg Williams from the Aspinall Action Group in 2010 – in 2015 the group said they believed they had discovered a new species of wallaby grass on the site.

In June last year VCAT decided to uphold council’s decision, despite claims by the Aspinall Action Group that the site could contain a previously unknown species or subspecies of wallaby grass, as well as a further 37 indigenous species.

The City of Greater Bendigo said it was working through final permit conditions for the entire site and the Trust for Nature covenant was currently being drafted for approval.